VINCENNES, Ind. - According to the legendary comedian Ed Wynn, “A comic says funny things. A comedian says things funny.” The late Red Skelton embodied the spirit of a true comedian, engaging and entertaining audiences for decades through beloved characters, physical comedy, corny jokes, and the humor found in ordinary life.

To recognize and honor comedians past and present, the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy has established the “Red Skelton: America’s Clown” award in 2017. The second recipient will be announced before the Annual Red Skelton Festival in July 2018. Nominations are being accepted now through Jan. 31.

“I like to believe that Red Skelton was honored to be a clown. He was a humble man who didn’t want to be thought of as the greatest,” said Anne Pratt, president of the Red Skelton Museum Foundation. “I would like this award to recognize others who feel the same.” Renowned performer Dick Van Dyke was named the first recipient of the award in 2017.

To qualify nominees must be a living comedian that is/was active within the past 100 years in the medium of stage, radio, film, or television. Nominees must also engage in a ‘family-friendly’ comedy style.

Nominations may come from all public sources - social media, community members, fellow comedians, show people - anyone who is interested in promoting a comedian who demonstrates the Red Skelton style of entertainment.

Individuals may nominate up to three comedians for the award and should send the name and a brief description for each. Submissions can be made via the Museum’s web site, http://redskeltonmuseum.org, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/redskeltonmuseum, Twitter https://twitter.com/MuseumSkelton, or by contacting the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, 20 Red Skelton Blvd., Vincennes, Indiana 47591.

The recipient will be selected by a committee comprised of the museum staff, members of the Red Skelton Museum Foundation, professional entertainers, and popular culture educators. Presentation of the award, nicknamed ‘The Freddie,’ will take place at the Red Skelton Festival in July 2018.

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